Richard A. Tapia

Dr. Richard A. Tapia is a University Professor and Maxfield-Oshman Chair in Engineering at Rice University, where he holds a professorial appointment in the Department of Computational and Applied Mathematics and Operations Research. As Faculty Director of the Tapia Center, he champions diversity and equity in STEM education. Born in Los Angeles to Mexican immigrant parents, he earned his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Mathematics from UCLA.

Research Interests:

• Optimization theory and numerical analysis
• Mathematical modeling for industrial operations, financial systems, and engineering design
• Advocacy for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields

Scientific Awards:

• National Medal of Science (2011)
• Vannevar Bush Award (2014)
• AAAS Public Engagement with Science Award (2016)
• Honorary doctorates from six universities

Leadership & Outreach: He directs multiple NSF-funded programs at Rice, including the Center for Excellence and Equity in Education and the Empowering Leadership Alliance. He pioneered the Tapia Summer Camps and co-founded the Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing and the Blackwell-Tapia Conference, which honor his legacy in promoting diversity.